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Lifeguard Instructor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Lifeguard II

Cherokee, IA

$14 - $17.75/hr

YMCA Lifeguard instructor preferred. * YMCA Leader Certificate (obtained within 90 days) * Physically perform all skills required of a lifeguard * Hear noises and distress signals in the aquatic ...

Lifeguard/CPR Instructor

Waverly, IA · On-site

$13.25 - $17/hr

WARTBURG COLLEGE Title of Position - Lifeguard/CPR Instructor If you are a Wartburg Student please apply at Handshake. Function of Position: Keep current with American Red Cross standards, teach ...

Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate student employees, including lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatic leadership staff. Coordinate lifeguard certification, recertification ...

Lifeguard | 2026

Davenport, IA · On-site

$12 - $13/hr

Deep Water Lifeguard and Shallow Water Guard. Free Red Cross Lifeguard training and certification ... Current Water Safety Instructor Certificate or obtain within 3 months of hire. Must pass a ...

Lifeguard | 2026

Davenport, IA · On-site

$12 - $13/hr

Deep Water Lifeguard and Shallow Water Guard. Free Red Cross Lifeguard training and certification ... Current Water Safety Instructor Certificate or obtain within 3 months of hire. Must pass a ...

Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate student employees, including lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatic leadership staff. * Coordinate lifeguard certification, recertification ...

Recruit, hire, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate student employees, including lifeguards, swim instructors, and aquatic leadership staff. * Coordinate lifeguard certification, recertification ...

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Lifeguard Instructor information

See Iowa salary details

$5

$15

$21

How much do lifeguard instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for lifeguard instructor in Iowa is $15.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $16.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lifeguard instructor?

To thrive as a Lifeguard Instructor, you need strong swimming and lifesaving abilities, a comprehensive knowledge of water safety, and current lifeguard/instructor certifications such as those from the American Red Cross or YMCA. Familiarity with rescue equipment, first aid/AED procedures, and training materials or e-learning systems is typically required. Excellent communication, leadership, and motivational skills help instructors effectively teach diverse groups and build confidence in students. These competencies are essential for ensuring safety, delivering high-quality instruction, and preparing others to respond to aquatic emergencies.

What are the typical responsibilities of a lifeguard instructor during a certification course?

As a Lifeguard Instructor, your main responsibilities during a certification course include teaching core water rescue skills, first aid, CPR, and emergency response protocols to participants. You will demonstrate techniques, supervise hands-on practice sessions, and assess students' competency through written and practical exams. Instructors also ensure all safety guidelines are followed throughout the training and provide constructive feedback to help candidates develop the confidence and skills required for lifeguarding roles. This role involves balancing instruction, supervision, and evaluation to maintain a positive and effective learning environment.

What is a lifeguard instructor?

A Lifeguard Instructor is responsible for training and certifying individuals in lifeguarding, CPR, first aid, and water rescue techniques. They teach courses following established safety protocols, assess candidates' skills, and ensure they meet certification requirements. Instructors may work at pools, beaches, or training centers and must stay updated on lifesaving techniques. Additionally, they serve as role models for water safety and may assist in emergency preparedness planning.

How to become a certified lifeguard instructor?

To become a certified lifeguard instructor, you must typically hold current lifeguard certification, complete an instructor training course approved by a recognized organization such as the American Red Cross or YMCA, and pass both written and practical exams demonstrating teaching skills and rescue techniques. Additional requirements may include age minimums, CPR certification, and a minimum number of hours as a lifeguard before qualifying to instruct others.
What are the most commonly searched types of Lifeguard Instructor jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Lifeguard Instructor jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Lifeguard Instructor jobs in Iowa? For Lifeguard Instructor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lifeguard Instructor jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Lifeguard Instructor jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Lifeguard Instructor jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Lifeguard Instructor job openings:
Infographic showing various Lifeguard Instructor job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 58% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,360 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

AQUATICS - Lifeguard / Swim Instructor (Fitch Family Indoor Aquatic Center)

GovernmentJobs.com

Ames, IA • On-site

$13.95 - $16.43/hr

Other

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Aquatics Positions Available

The City of Ames Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting applications for Aquatics positions. All Aquatic positions are directly accountable to the Aquatics Manager, Aquatics Coordinator, and/or designee, and adjunctly accountable to the Recreation Superintendent and the Director of Parks and Recreation. This posting is open until filled.

Please upload a copy of all American Red Cross Certifications that you currently hold to your application.

Lifeguard

Pay Range: $14.49-$15.37

Consistently enforce and educate patrons on all aquatic facility policies, rules, and regulations; recognize and respond quickly and effectively to all emergencies; perform surveillance and rescue techniques; administer first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or utilize AED in an emergency; inspect the facility and report any safety concerns or unsafe conditions or equipment; complete and submit required records and reports; perform routine cleaning and maintenance as assigned; participate in regular in-service training sessions; exercise regularly to maintain fitness level (swimming skills, strength and endurance); complete additional duties as assigned.

Successful candidates will need to successfully complete the American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course. Which includes online and classroom course work with written exam, and in-water skills consisting of: swimming 300 yards continuously without stopping (not timed), tread water for 2 minutes, timed brick retrieval (in one minute and forty seconds - enter water, swim 20 yards, retrieve a 10-pound brick from the bottom of the pool, swim 20 yards on your back with the brick, exit the pool).

Education and Experience: Must be at least 15 years of age. Lifeguarding and/or swimming experience is recommended.

Licenses and Certifications: Current American Red Cross Deep Water Lifeguard, CPR, First Aid and AED training is required. Candidates not possessing these certificates may still apply; the city will provide certification course. Lifeguard Instructor Certification (LGI) may also be obtained after hire to qualified candidates.

Swim Instructor

Pay Range: $13.95-$16.43

Teach American Red Cross swimming lessons according to standards per assigned skill level(s); ensure safety of all participants; enforce all aquatic facility polices, rules and regulations; recognize and respond to any emergency situations; evaluate and record participants skills; inspect equipment and facility conditions and report any concerns; complete and submit required reports; and participate in scheduled in-service sessions and/or training; perform routine cleaning and maintenance as assigned; complete additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience: Must be at least 14 years of age. Prior experience is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications: American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certificate is preferred and can be obtained after hire to qualified candidates.

Physical & Environmental Characteristics: Frequently exposed to various weather conditions, including cold, heat, rain, and wind. Need to be able to remain alert and attentive for extended periods of time. May be exposed to deep water, slippery surfaces, and potential hazards. Must be able to run, swim, and lift objects up to 50 lbs. Aquatics staff must also be prepared to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations which may require strenuous physical activity and/or exertion. Indoor and outdoor sound may be moderately noisy. May be exposed to chemicals used for water treatment and maintenance.

Selection Process: The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, an interview, and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.